AC Milan legend backs Massimiliano Allegri for Italy job

AC Milan legend Gennaro Gattuso has insisted that his former boss Massimiliano Allegri “has the capability to do well” as the Italy coach.

Speculation has spread within the Italian media this past week that current boss Cesare Prandelli is likely to step down from his position after the World Cup next summer.

Early reports have suggested that both Allegri and Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni are the favourites to succeed him, with the former revealing that he would love to coach the national squad one day.

As a result, he has received a message of support from one of his former players, with Gattuso insisting that Allegri would do well as the coach of the Azzurri.

“Allegri has the capability to do well,” the Palermo boss told Sky Sport Italia as reported by Football Italia.

“Leading Italy is a great responsibility, but Max has shown that he is a very good tactician. He would do well if given the role,” he added.

The 35-year-old won the World Cup back in 2006, and is now attempting to find his feet in his own managerial career.

While he ruled himself out of taking the job any time soon, he insisted that his primary focus is to help Palermo return to Serie A, but believes that Allegri could be an ideal choice.

However, they will be tough shoes to fill as Prandelli has transformed the Italian national side since his appointment, leading them to the final of Euro 2012 before a third-placed finish at the Confederations Cup this summer.

Rumours in the Italian media suggest that were Allegri to replace him, then Prandelli could then return to club management at Milan.